Darnestown Elementary School

This school has consistently gotten worst in the past few years. Mrs. Nazzaro the principal really does not care anymore. She just wants to collect her paycheck and do the least amount of work possible. The school has a safety issue as my child had been bullied so much and the school keeps telling me they were accidents. Even the pediatrician is concerned with amount of times we have gone to them due to my child getting hurt at school. There is no discipline for the bullies and my child is constantly told that they are accidents and to apologize to the bullies. My child is now in therapy due to experience at this school.

This elementary school provides an excellent learning environment with dedicated, tenured teachers who bring experience and stability to the classroom. The school’s management is generally effective, fostering a positive and well-organized atmosphere. The facilities are well-maintained and in good condition, creating a comfortable space for students to learn and grow. Additionally, the school boasts a diverse student body, promoting inclusivity and cultural awareness. Most importantly, I always felt that my children were safe here, thanks to the school’s strong emphasis on security and student well-being. Overall, a great choice for families seeking a supportive and high-quality educational experience.

My eldest child started at this school when she turned 2 years old in the Young Children's Community. She recently entered the Lower Elementary after completing Primary. My youngest child has attended this school since 6 months of age (in the Nido) and is now in the Primary classroom. The teachers and administration at this school are very attuned to the needs of each child and work to develop the whole child. Teachers provide regular formal conferences and in my experience have always been welcoming of informal conference requests. I love how much time all the children spend outside each day, the mixed age classrooms, and that each classroom fosters development of intrinsic motivation within each individual child. Each classroom is rich with learning materials and designed to be used independently by the children. The school also fosters a sense of community with families, offering informal gatherings and formal events for families throughout the year.

My family has been part of the Seneca Academy community for the last five years and I will forever be thankful to have found this special school. We fell in love with the school’s beautiful campus and small class sizes, but the greatest gift Seneca has given us is the way our kids feel known and valued every single day. They wake up happy to go to school and come home with smiles on their faces, having been engaged and challenged in a place that makes them feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves.We really value the teacher-to-student ratio and inquiry-based approach to learning because it allows teachers to meet each child where they are and nurture their strengths, while encouraging them to reach even further. We find the academics, particularly the early reading instruction and mathematics curriculum (former math teacher and current engineer here!), to be excellent. As a former teacher myself, I know how beneficial a love of learning is and am thrilled with the strong foundation Seneca is providing for my kids, not only in academics, but also in social-emotional growth, curiosity in the world around them, and confidence in themselves as people and learners.As parents, we’ve found something just as special – a real village. The community of teachers, staff, and fellow parents has given us friendship, support, and a shared sense of purpose as we raise our kids together. We feel lucky to have found a school where academic excellence goes hand in hand with such warmth and care.Another really important aspect of Seneca is the dedicated and supportive admin team. I’ve never hesitated to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas and I feel that our family is known and valued by them, as well. We loved and appreciated the strengths of our previous head of school and are extremely excited and optimistic about the direction in which our new head of school is leading Seneca. As active members of this special community, we’ve met many families across different grades, and I am confident in saying that our positive experience at Seneca has been shared by each of them.If I have one complaint, it’s that our time at Seneca Academy won’t last forever – but I’m beyond thankful the memories, friendships, and academic & social-emotional growth will.

Saturday evening's annual Mary of Nazareth School Gala was yet another testament to the incredible things happening at our school every day. The more than 350 people in attendance proud to be a part of this great community and committed to its ongoing academic and spiritual excellence. We feel blessed to be led by Mr. Friel, our principal, and his assistant principal, Mrs. Schultz. Thanks, MON, for such an amazing evening!